Clean Up After Coco

It kind of goes without saying, but I’m going to.

If you have a companion animal of the canine type, make sure you take the time to carry something to pick up his or her little messes on your walks around the neighborhood.

Your neighbors will appreciate it!

Just cuz…

It Ain’t Just For Salads

Vinegar

The stuff is magic!

Did you know that there is actually a Vinegar Institute?  That’s where I started learning all the things that I could do with this magical elixir.  Some of the things I learned to do:

• Clean a coffee maker
• Wash a no-wax floor
• Paintbrush softener
• Flea & Tick repellant

I’m tellin’ ya, the stuff is magical!

So check out The Vinegar Institute, and learn some ways you can cut down on some of the harsh chemicals we introduce into our lives almost every day.

 

Just cuz.

Clean Up Your Act

Pretty much every establishment you go to that serves food or snacks comes complete with a cleaning crew.  If you ever worked in the food and beverage retail industry, you know that cleanup is one of the least favorite chores of our teenage years.

When you venture out, why not make it a little easier on the kids (as if they don’t have it easy enough, right)?  But seriously, those little Acts of Good Stuff really do add up.  So when you go to the movies, take your popcorn and nacho trash with you and use the receptacle in the lobby of the theatre.  The next Kid’s Meal you treat your youngin’ to… take the time to clean up your mess.

Yeah, there’s an employee who is paid to do that, but why not make his shift just a little bit easier… just cuz.

Wipe It Down

Public bathrooms are notorious for being scary places harboring dirt, grime, and who knows what?

One of my (many) pet peeves is stepping up to the sink, brushing up against it, only to have someone’s leftover puddle of water making a water mark on my shirt. I have started looking before leaping, and wiping down the counter top prior to my washing my hands.

I take it a step further, and I ask you to do the same…

Before leaving the restroom, take a couple of extra paper towels (if they’re available) and wipe down the sink. It doesn’t take that much time, and you’ll be saving the next person from water-spotting their shirt or blouse. Not only that, you’ll leave the room just a little tidier than when you went in.

Do it just cuz…

Salt, Vinegar, And A Little Elbow Grease

It would be unthinkable to toss ALL of the chemicals that we purchase. Some things are just necessities of the twenty-first century, especially when it comes to cleaning products.

It’s certainly possible, however, to use SOME non-chemical alternatives. A simple Google search will help you find some ideas, like the one below that I found on OrganizedHome.com! (Just Cuz)

Furniture Polish

Most of us no longer use hard-to-apply furniture wax, but rely on oil-based polish to keep furniture protected and shiny.

Our “salad dressing” version avoids the danger of silicone oil, found in most commercial polishes and sprays. Silicone oil can penetrate tiny cracks in furniture finish and enter the wood, causing problems in the event refinishing is needed. Lemon juice dissolves dirt and smudges, while olive oil shines and protects the wood:

Mix in a sprayer bottle:

1 cup olive oil and 1/2 cup lemon juice

Shake well and apply a small amount to a flannel cleaning rag or cleaning cloth. Spread evenly over furniture surface. Turn cloth to a dry side and polish dry.

De-Clutter Your Bookshelves

I have SO many books. I have joined book clubs, friends have given me books as gifts, or I had purchased them because they were the latest rage or they piqued my interest. Most of them sit on my bookshelf unread. And I can’t honestly say that I’m ever going to read all of them. I am not out to impress anyone with my library, so I’m going to get rid of some of the clutter on my shelves.

Why not look through your shelves and get rid of some of these dust collectors. Check with your local library on their book donation policies, or there may be a book re-seller in your area and you could make a few bucks (to give to Friends Of Libraries U.S.A. – check ‘em out at http://www.folusa.org).

Don’t forget to check with your tax guy, cuz a bonus may be a little something in the way of a deduction for your 2008 taxes (but don’t quote me, I am NOT a qualified tax advisor!).

Just cuz.

Clean It, Then Clean It Over There

Going to the mall can be fun. One of my favorite places in the mall is the food court, where I have a plethora of food choices to satisfy me between Williams Sonoma and Old Navy.

The next time you’re ordering the spicy chicken sandwich from Popeye’s, ask for a small glass of water (in addition to your normal beverage purchase), and grab a couple extra napkins. After you’ve finished the tasty meal, use the water and extra napkins to wipe down your table for the next guest. And, as an added bonus Good Stuff point, when you’re making your way to the trash bin to discard your trash, why not wipe off one of the tables that someone else left a mess. It’s not that much work, doesn’t take up too much time, you’re not getting paid for it, you do it just cuz!

Clean Up Someone Else’s Rubbish

I walk to the bus stop every morning, and I’m guilty (as I think we all are) of seeing trash on the sidewalk, or near the curb, and ignoring it.  Even though, in a lot of cases, there’s a city trash can somewhere nearby.  Why not pick it up and drop it off in a receptacle.  It’s just a small gestures, and it’s not like we’re going to stop global warming because of it, but it’s a cool thing to do just cuz.

(I’ll do it more often myself.  Promise.)